Experts argue that enforcing a ban on social media is impossible
Concerns about Australia’s upcoming social media ban for children under 16 are being discussed by experts and children, focusing on feasibility, privacy, and scope.
Although the age restriction for social media was approved by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and state and territory leaders on Nov. 8, doubts linger about how it will be enforced.
Justine Humphry, part of a team researching online safety issues, expressed skepticism about the ban’s effectiveness in benefiting young people, calling it “unenforceable.” She highlighted the challenges with technology for age verification of minors.
Based on a study funded by the eSafety Commissioner, Humphry noted that most teens aged 12 to 17 believed they could circumvent age restrictions, suggesting that a blanket ban might do more harm than good.
Despite strong support from parents (86%) and young people (70%) for stricter age limits, Humphry argued that a fixed ban could impede young people’s development of necessary skills for safe online interaction.
Humphry emphasized the potential drawbacks of a fixed age-based ban, explaining that it might hinder young people’s ability to develop resilience and necessary skills for online safety.
The Albanese government plans to introduce the legislation required for the ban in the upcoming parliamentary session, with potential passage by the end of 2024. The ban would then take effect a year later, pending the completion of ongoing trials of age verification technologies.
Belinda Barnet, a media lecturer at Swinburne University of Technology, supports an age limit of 13 or 14, citing a tragic incident involving a 12-year-old girl who died by suicide after experiencing online bullying.
Barnet proposed a third-party or government-controlled age verification system to protect sensitive information, expressing concerns about entrusting social media platforms with user data.
She highlighted the challenges of enforcing the ban, pointing out that app stores might not prevent parents from downloading banned apps or accessing platforms through web browsers.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland suggested exemptions for educational and health-related platforms like YouTube Kids.
Amidst these discussions, Melbourne schoolgirl Hillary, 11, voiced support for the ban while expressing concerns about its potential impact on her use of non-traditional social media platforms like Pinterest and YouTube.
If you need support:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
